West Midlands Police has issued a warning advising people not to give money to aggressive beggars.

Officers in Stockland Green, Erdington, are so concerned about the problem they have taken the unusual step of labelling it as an 'Important Public Message' on Twitter.

The post said: "Aggressive beggars are operating in Stockland Green near to Reservoir Road Post Office... a group of three males and a female.

"PLEASE could it be asked NOT to directly give money to these individuals as this will encourage them to continue."

The Post Office in question is at the junction of Slade Road and Reservoir Road where other local busnesses include a Coral bookmakers, Opposition hairdressers, Cascade Barbers, Cheers Off Licence, Mobilizer phone shop and Bash Grill & Pizza.

Across the road businesses include Big & Tall Menswear and the Crystal Nails Studio.

The manager of one local business told Birmingham Live: "We are all concerned about the situation for two or three weeks.

"We think that when the police move people on from one area, they then go to another - it's just moving a problem on."

Another business BirminghamLive spoke to said they were unable to comment as they were on the other line - to a police hotline at 101.

And how Public Space Protection Orders were in place in Dale End, the city centre and Bull Street - meaning the council had the power to fine beggars and rough sleepers if they were causing a nuisance.